Do I Need Asbestos Survey When Selling Commercial Property In Devon?

If you are considering selling a commercial property in Devon or anywhere else in South West England, it is essential to make sure that you comply with asbestos regulations. Asbestos is a dangerous material that was widely used in buildings before it was banned due to its health hazard. It is known to cause serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

To avoid any risk of legal liability, it is essential to engage the services of Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, a fully licensed and accredited asbestos survey company in Devon. We provide comprehensive asbestos surveys conducted by qualified surveyors who use approved methods and technologies to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your property.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building or premises to identify any ACMs and assess their condition. The surveyors will take samples of suspected ACMs and analyze them in a laboratory to determine the type and extent of the material's presence. The survey will help to identify any risks of asbestos exposure to people in the premises so that proper measures can be taken.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Important?

An asbestos survey is important because it is a legal requirement for anyone who manages or owns commercial properties built before 2000. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) requires that all such premises have an asbestos survey conducted by a qualified surveyor at regular intervals not exceeding 3 years. This requirement applies to all commercial buildings, including shops, factories, offices, warehouses, and other public buildings.

Types of Asbestos Surveys:

There are two types of asbestos surveys - management survey and refurbishment/demolition survey.

Management Survey:

A management survey is a standard survey that is used to identify any ACMs that may pose a risk to people in the premises. The surveyors will assess the condition of the materials and recommend how to manage them safely. The survey is non-intrusive and will not damage the premises in any way.

A management survey is also known as a type 2 survey or a standard survey. It is required by law for all non-domestic buildings built before 2000.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey:

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is required before any major renovation or demolition work. The surveyors will take samples of all suspected ACMs and analyze them to determine their type and extent. The survey will also assess the condition of the materials and recommend safe removal procedures.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is also known as a type 3 survey. It is required by law before any refurbishment or demolition work can start.

Legislation and Regulations:

Asbestos regulations are governed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The HSE website provides comprehensive information and guidance on managing asbestos safely in premises.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) is the primary legislation governing asbestos management in the UK. It requires dutyholders to manage the risks of ACMs in their properties to protect people from exposure to asbestos fibers.

Owners of non-domestic buildings built before 2000 are required by law to conduct a management survey at regular intervals and keep the survey report up-to-date. Failure to comply with asbestos regulations can result in legal action, fines, and personal liability.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional and reliable asbestos survey company in Devon that provides straightforward and cost-effective services to its clients. Our qualified surveyors have extensive experience in identifying and managing ACMs in all kinds of buildings and premises.

We provide comprehensive surveys that comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, and our reports are detailed and easy to understand. We also provide advice and guidance on how to manage ACMs safely and effectively to avoid any risk to people's health and legal liabilities.

Conclusion:

If you are selling a commercial property in Devon or anywhere else in South West England, it is essential to engage the services of an accredited asbestos survey company to ensure compliance with the law and protect people's health. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a leading provider of asbestos surveys in Devon, and our qualified surveyors will provide you with a comprehensive report detailing any ACMs in the premises and recommend safe and effective management procedures.

Contact us today at 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected] to arrange your asbestos survey and share the information with your buyers to avoid any risk and ensure a smooth and successful transaction.